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Geotour

Photos: Alexey Komarov (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikimedia Commons

Koruldi Lakes

Svaneti · Mountains

Getting there
About 10 km above Mestia by a steep, rough 4x4 track (about 1 h)
Best time
July–September
Recommended stay
Half a day to a full day

About Koruldi Lakes

The Koruldi Lakes are a cluster of small alpine lakes at about 2,740 m on the ridge north of Mestia in Upper Svaneti. On a clear day the twin summits of Ushba (4,710 m) and the peaks of the main Caucasus ridge are reflected in the water. You can hike the whole way from Mestia, take a 4x4 up to the Mestia Cross viewpoint and walk the rest, or ride a 4x4 all the way on the rough track and spend your energy on the view.

Tours Including Koruldi Lakes

See the tour

Must-See Attractions

  • Ushba reflection

    The largest lake faces Ushba; mornings are usually calmest and clearest.

  • Mestia Cross viewpoint

    A large metal cross at about 2,150 m looks down on Mestia's towers and the Mestiachala valley.

  • Koruldi ridge

    Above the lakes the ridge climbs towards 3,300 m; only for experienced hikers with a guide.

Nearby

  • Mestia

    Svaneti's main town with its tower houses and museum, directly below (about 1 h down by 4x4).

  • Chalaadi Glacier

    Easy valley walk to the glacier snout, about 8 km from Mestia by car plus 1–1.5 h on foot.

  • Hatsvali

    Ski area with a chairlift above Mestia, about 15 min by car from town.

Location

View on map

Good to know

Getting there

About 10 km above Mestia by a steep, rough 4x4 track (about 1 h); Mestia itself is about 460 km (8–9 h) from Tbilisi via Zugdidi.

Best time

July–September

Best time

From July the snow has gone and the track is open; September brings clearer air and fewer walkers, while in June the lakes may still be partly frozen.

Recommended stay

Half a day to a full day

Walking

From Mestia on foot it is roughly 14–20 km return with about 1,300–1,400 m of ascent, 6–9 h; from the Mestia Cross it is about 4 h return on a jeep track.

Getting there

Local 4x4 drivers in Mestia run trips to the Cross or to the lakes; we arrange the vehicle.

What to bring

Warm and waterproof layers, sun protection and plenty of water; there are no shops or springs you can rely on above the Cross.

Heads-up

Weather changes fast at this altitude; start early, as clouds often cover Ushba by early afternoon.

Season

Snow can cover the lakes until late June.

Nearby destinations

Guides for planning your trip

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